These are the key symptoms you need to watch out for in meningitis. The red ticks show symptoms that are the most common and more specific to meningitis and septicaemia and less common in other illnesses, the black ticks are symptoms that could be mistaken for another illness

The key symptoms to be aware of

Meningitis can affect anyone, but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults.

It is the inflammation of the membranes that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord and can be caused by meningococcal bacteria and viral meningitis.

If it's not treated quickly, meningitis can cause life-threatening septicaemia (blood poisoning) and result in permanent damage to the brain or nerves.

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The symptoms of meningitis develop suddenly and include:

A high fever over 37.5 degrees - the average human temperature

being sick

a headache

a blotchy rash that doesn't fade when a glass is rolled over it

stiffness, especially in the neck

sensitivity to bright lights

drowsiness, irritability or lack of energy

cold hands and feet

seizures

The charity warned the symptoms can easily be mistaken for a hangover.

If you, or someone you know, is experiencing these symptoms you should speak to a GP immediately.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR MENINGITIS VACCINES?

There are several vaccinations that offer protection against meningitis.

They can be given to babies and young adults.

They are:

The Meningitis B vaccine: this is for babies aged eight weeks, followed by a second dose at 16 weeks and a booster at one year. It will protect your baby against infection by meningococcal group B bacteria, which is responsible for more than 90 per cent of infections in young children.

5-in-1 vaccine: this is offered to babies at eight, 12 and 16 weeks of age. This won’t just protect against meningitis, but will also protect against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough and polio.

Pneumococcal vaccine: this is offered to babies at eight weeks, 16 weeks and one year. It will protect against pneumonia, septicaemia and meningitis.

Meningitis C vaccine: This is offered at 1 year of age, and to teenagers and first-time university students. The success of this vaccine means there are almost no cases of that strain of meningitis in the UK anymore.

MMR vaccine: This is offered to babies at one year and a second dose at three years and four months. It protects against measles, mumps and rubella, which can lead to meningitis and septicaemia.

Meningitis ACWY vaccine: This is offered to teenagers, sixth formers and “fresher” students going to university for the first time. The vaccine protects against four different causes of meningitis and septicaemia – meningococcal A, C, W and Y diseases.

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